Canadian Carrier Unlocking iPhones for Qualified Users

Reports have surfaced from Canada that many customers who have seen their service contracts expire are getting their iPhones unlocked by Canadian carrier Rogers Wireless. According to iPhone in Canada, the policy (which comes courtesy of Rogers sub-brand Fido) makes it possible for these "qualifying customers" to have their iPhones unlocked - but at a price of roughly $50 in addition to applicable taxes.

Canada, many will recall, joined both the UK and France on the short list of initial countries to offer for purchase the iPhone 4 SIM-free and unlocked.

The unlock service is available through the carrier's Customer Care team. To be eligible for unlocking, customers must (1) have an account in good standing (2) Have paid the un-subsidized / no term cost for the device at least 30 days prior OR have finished their Commitment Period (contract) (3) have a device which is listed in their equipment history. Fido warns, however, that Some features on the iPhone "might be compromised by the unlocking and could affect its performance on our network."

News of the carrier's new unlocking policy has generated so much attention across the blogosphere as of Wednesday morning that Canada's "other" Apple-related news was effectively bumped to a distant side-note. On Tuesday, the Canadian government announced that it has - at long last - officially approved the Canadian version of the iBookstore. Minister James Moore stated that "Apple has demonstrated how iBookstore Canada represents new opportunities for Canadian authors and publishers, and I have determined that this investment will be of net benefit to Canada."